a telling example is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling example is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing an example that illustrates a point or concept effectively. Example: "In discussing the impact of climate change, a telling example is the rapid melting of polar ice caps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A telling example is that international nongovernmental organizations are increasingly working directly with the Taliban.

The New York Times

A telling example is Ronald Reagan's tax cuts in 1981, the centerpiece of that president's agenda.

The New York Times

A telling example is "Eternal Rock," which was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra.

The New York Times

A telling example is the early electronic bulletin board system (BBS), such as the WELL (Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link).

Encyclopedia Britannica

A telling example is the AIG bonus scandal.

Forbes

A telling example is that of the redox imbalance that constitutes a hallmark of CF. Local and systemic accumulation of oxidants are believed to impact CF blood neutrophils, which display lower intracellular GSH levels [69].

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A telling example are fibroblasts of the dermal papilla in the hair bulb.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

A small but telling example is Willy's repeated injunction to Linda not to mend her stockings in the house, the reason being — there always has to be a reason — that this reminds him of the night Biff discovered him in Boston with the other woman, to whom he had made a gift of Linda's stockings.

The New Yorker

One telling example is a simplified food web item, an open-ended question asking for an explanation of how energy is transferred within a community.

CBE Life Sciences Education

One telling example is FOXP2 which had the longest mean and maximum Q-tract lengths but relatively little variance in Q-tract length.

BMC Genomics

A small but telling example was that, back in 2002, we wrote an editorial calling for all companies to ban smoking in the workplace, yet continued to allow it in the Guardian's offices.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a telling example is" to introduce an instance that clearly and effectively illustrates a point you are making. This emphasizes the example's ability to reveal or highlight something important.

Common error

Avoid using "a telling example is" in very casual or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation or less structured content. Opt for simpler phrases like "for example" or "consider this".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a telling example is" serves as an introductory phrase, primarily functioning to introduce and emphasize a particularly revealing or illustrative example. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its role in setting up a specific instance that clarifies a broader point or concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a telling example is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a particularly revealing or illustrative example. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across different contexts. The phrase is common in news, science, and encyclopedic writing, serving to persuade and inform by offering concrete evidence. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize the importance of an example, but be mindful of its formality, opting for simpler alternatives in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant instance is

Replaces 'telling example' with 'significant instance', emphasizing importance.

a noteworthy illustration is

Substitutes 'telling example' with 'noteworthy illustration', highlighting the illustrative quality.

a striking demonstration is

Replaces 'telling example' with 'striking demonstration', focusing on the impact of the example.

a revealing case is

Changes 'telling example' to 'revealing case', stressing the informative nature.

an illustrative case is

Swaps 'telling example' for 'illustrative case', focusing on the clarifying quality.

a prime illustration is

Replaces 'telling example' with 'prime illustration', emphasizing that the example is representative.

a classic instance is

Substitutes 'telling example' with 'classic instance', implying that the example is traditional.

a clear cut case is

Changes 'telling example' to 'clear cut case', highlighting the lucidity.

a good illustration is

Swaps 'telling example' for 'good illustration', focusing on the quality of the illustration.

a key illustration is

Replaces 'telling example' with 'key illustration', implying that the illustration is fundamental.

FAQs

How can I use "a telling example is" in a sentence?

Use "a telling example is" to introduce a specific case that illustrates a broader point or concept. For example, "When discussing the impact of social media on political discourse, "a telling example is" the rapid spread of misinformation during the 2016 US election".

What are some alternatives to "a telling example is"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant instance is", "a noteworthy illustration is", or "a revealing case is" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a telling example is" too formal for everyday writing?

While grammatically correct, ""a telling example is"" can be perceived as somewhat formal. In casual writing, consider using phrases like "for instance" or "for example".

What makes an example "telling"?

A "telling" example is one that is particularly revealing or illustrative. It effectively highlights and clarifies the point being made, often showcasing a key aspect or consequence.